Czech Republic

Prague & Southern Bohemia 7 DaysFrom the Empire to the Occupation to Communism to the Velvet Revolution and back to the Republic, Czechoslovakia has had its share of makeovers. And still it evolves. As the Czech Republic today, after it’s peaceful dissolution in 1993, this small land-locked country bares the soul of an enchanted land left over from a best-selling fairytale. Twenty years later the Czech Republic is traditional eastern bloc values meets monumental and dignified architecture meets modern business and high fashion. The ancient lines of this land ring out from its bucolic rolling hills, Medieval towns and spellbinding Châteaux. Seemingly stuck in an era that time itself forgot, upon closer inspection you’ll find a people with a flexible soul, modern tendencies and probably the best strudel ever made this side of the Habsburg Empire. This journey will start in the celebrated Prague. Everything in between yields Baroque masterpieces framed by scenic valleys, Hansel and Gretel forests juxtaposed with vibrant urban life.
Word is getting out about the Czech Republic; we highly recommend you get here now, before the crowds take your piece of eastern block charm and strudel with them.

At Randonnee, we want to make sure that you choose the trip most suitable for you and that any surprises are good ones. Read the Straight Talk

Day 1&2Welcome to Prague! Depending on your arrival time, stroll through the historical center and enjoy all that makes this one of Europe’s most beautiful locales. We provide a detailed City Guide, filled with suggestions on where to dine. Your hotel options include a historic property near Charles Bridge, or a luxurious hotel with contemporary décor. Next day,
we provide a local expert guide who will meet you at your hotel to take you on a walking tour of the city. As popular as it is, no visit to Prague should end without a visit to its castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Your visit will start with it today. The Pražský hrad presides over the city like a watchman, looming over its subjects and limitless visitors. It owes its eclectic style to various rulers having had an architectural stab at it over the centuries since the 9th Century Prince Bořivoj laid its first foundations. As such it’s a maze of multi-era buildings and palaces, gardens, courtyards, towers and churches. If you ever find the will to leave, enjoy one of the many atmospheric cafes in the historical center.

Day 3+4

Tabor - Transfer from Prague by private shuttle 1h10 to Tabor a charming village dating back to the Middle Ages. From the hotel, walk a route to Klokoty and then allow time to explore the historic center. Dinner here will be a highlight at a restaurant that is one of our favourites in the region.Next day you have the choice of a narrow-gauge train or private transfer to Bechyne (30 min), where you can visit the castle and monastery before continuing on foot to Tyn nad Vlataou before a private shuttle back to Tabor (40 min) Distance: 7.3 km; elevation gain 160 m /13.3 km; elevation gain 430m

Day 5+6Cesky-Krumlov - Today, transfer to Cesky-Krumlov private shuttle 1h5. Situated on the bend of the river Vltava, this Unesco-designated city will captivate you with its architecture, atmosphere and vibrancy. Walk through and around Krumlov via Krizovy Vrch, exploring the castle, gardens and trails to a stunning viewpoint. Should you wish a local guide, we have just the person to ensure you learn all there is about this fascinating city.On your second day here, we have options for a walk to another lovely castle along the River Rozmberk and Vlatavou. An alternative is to canoe or raft down the Vltava River to the monastery at Zlata Koruna, returning on foot (13.3 km; 430 m climb) to CK. Alternatively, you can walk from Zlata Koruna to the gorgeous ruin of a castle at Divci Kamen and then to Trisov before returning to CK by private shuttle. D5 Distance Options: 7.7 km; 200 m gain/ 13.3 km; 430 m gain

Day 7

Your trip finishes in Cesky-Krumlov. Trains and private shuttles are available to either Prague (2 hrs) or Vienna (3 hrs).

Straight Talk: Most of our European walking trips allow you to hike from hotel to hotel. In Czech, the cities we feel you will want to see and experience are further apart so transfers between Prague, Tabor and Cesky-Krumlov are provided. To depart Cesky-Krumlov you can travel by train or private shuttle which we can organize in advance for you.